Syracuse Candidates Make Bids for NYS Governor

Syracuse Candidates Make Bids for NYS Governor

"Not being in the debate, not really being able to get the word out is really a disservice to the voters of this state," said Howie Hawkins, (G) gubernatorial candidate....

"What keeps me going despite the odds is that I've been involved in movements for peace, justice, labor, environment since the 1960s and we always started out as a small minority...You look at history and you can make change," he said.

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By Brittani Moncrease

It's the biggest race in New York this year.

Two candidates from Syracuse are hoping to pull off the upset of a lifetime and end up in the governor's seat next year.

"Not being in the debate, not really being able to get the word out is really a disservice to the voters of this state," said Howie Hawkins, (G) gubernatorial candidate.

Former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner is representing the Serve America Movement Party Line.

Howie Hawkins is on the Green Party line.

Both are campaigning on their own accord.

"I've been around to all corners of the state getting myself known, talking to people and working with people. The reality is if voters just want to vote based on television commercials, then we're not going to have the kind of democracy that we need," said Miner, (I) gubernatorial candidate.

Hawkins is focused on a single-payer health care, pushing the New York off fossil fuels bill and increased taxes for the rich.

"It's just criminal to take people who are terminally ill or need long-term care go bankrupt for their health care. That should not happen...The climate crisis we can't ignore it. It's not just heatwaves and storms...I'm the only candidate saying the 1 percent has to pay more taxes. Their shared income in the state has gone from 12 percent in 1980 to 31 percent today," said Hawkins.

As for Miner, she wants to tackle corruption and improve public services.

"Every day we hear another indictment, investigation, another story of pay-to-play and then we hear of swards collapsing, water mains and roads and bridges. Clearly, New York State — which has the highest tax burden in the country — and yet we have some of the worst services," said Miner.

With her mayoral background, Miner says she has what it takes.

"I can talk firsthand about using data and technology and innovation and also having a high standard about what you expect government to do...I decided to run in this very audacious race to stand up and say public service is more important than partisan labels," said Miner.

Hawkins is no stranger as well. He's run for governor in the past.

"What keeps me going despite the odds is that I've been involved in movements for peace, justice, labor, environment since the 1960s and we always started out as a small minority...You look at history and you can make change," he said.